Air India: Way beyond – Do they have any Future?

‘35 Flights from Delhi have been cancelled! 15 flights from Mumbai have been cancelled! Passengers are stranded. No idea what to do’? The zest of news flashed again, on the early morning of April 26. What’s going on? A series of activities happening around in national arena, one after other. A day back, I was happy – I am shocked now. I got a chance to fly earlier Maharaja- though I was skeptical in choosing it to carry me to air. My all past take-offs with Maharaja were delayed by some 'genuine' reasons, still I found good comfort in it. This untimely and unprecedented call for boycott by pilots, made me take a back seat and think a little bit. I tried doing some dissection on whole Air India things.

If I look back, and try to flash last one year – a lot of happening news has come via print media. From strike by Air India Pilots that got thumbs up by other aviation members! Air India announcing a loss of around 4000 billion! Govt. of India, giving a 1200 millions of bailout package! The struggling Air India got some edge and sympathy of passengers. Slowly people like me, turned to Air India for air travel. The occupancy rose from 60% to little beyond 84%, to recently Air India announcing its growth path and competitive rates to challenge rival airlines. Known low fare offering IndiGo flight’s CEO also felt uneasy with Air India’s competition in Air. Suddenly, all pilots decided to go on Honeymoon! and called for a nationwide Strike, on account of Pay revision and other demands. Air India is governed by Ministry of India through Aviation Ministry. Pilots are ranked among class A officers. Obviously they would be enjoying the best of facilities. I am told they have a package ranging from 3,00,000 to 5,00,000 per month apart from other benefits. Executive pilots do get packages higher than mentioned above! Dude, can you believe 36 lacs to 60 lacs per annum package in India, and these pilots are still starving for money. I wish I get even 30% of the package these buggers get. Leave the perk things aside for the time being. What they actually want? I wish I too had taken commercial pilot’s study and training. Why the hell I became an Engineer?

While scratching head, I came across with three stories. I shall share them with you before dissecting everything and concluding my points. Story 1: I met a very kind hearted person, who gave his life to Air India. He joined Maharaja as Trainee, and retired after 35 years, as DGM only. I enquired why? When his colleagues rose to higher positions amassing huge property, why he got separated out – and retired at DGM rank only. The answer was obvious: “Beta, I was not corrupt! I was genuinely dedicated to my work. And now, I am a completely satisfied person – living a happy life after retirement. I may have retired without much professional accomplishments; I have earned pride, love and relationship with wonderful people. I cherish that”! Story 2: It was one Wednesday morning when I woke up late. So was late for office. Adding to chaos was that I got a call from Boss to reach ‘fast’. Obviously, my bike speed was rocketing. Suddenly during a road cross, I hit a Car, while changing lane. I was fast, he put brakes – God knows why! The back bump of his Alto was hit by my bike’s leg guard, and one corner got punctured. We had some conversation, thankfully not hot. I came to know that the guy is from Air India. That too, at some ‘senior’ position! Still that guy showed me the slip he spends on the car, 2 days back on maintaining it. It was some 2000 bucks bills, and he was asking me to pay 1500 bucks for its repair. I had only 900 bucks in my wallet. I politely asked him for his address, so that I could send him the cheque. He did not give his address, but after much negotiation, he agreed to mollify things for 800 bucks. I paid him and rushed for office. Later, I pondered- That senior ranked guy asked me for MONEY. Why? Was he sacked? Was he poorly paid? Was he too kind for his position? Was he trying to teach me a lesson of not driving fast? I am still confused. Story 3: This I heard on a TV channel. An ex-Chairman of Maharaja has got settled in London, after retirement. Now, he owns a private airline, company flying in the name of his wife! So is there any bifurcation? Someone earns gold, someone has to gratify with copper and brass only.

15 years back, Maharaja was the only national as well as International career from India. Some private airlines were seeding in early 2000. Suddenly in last 10 years, a mushroom of private airlines grew. Maharaja, who owned 100 % of empire, shrunk to 30 - 40% of it. Rest 60-70% has been opened for and grabbed by private carriers. How come! Why Air India decided to cut down its flight during peak hours, to peak destinations? Why travel between important destinations during peak hours are enjoyed by flights like Jet and Kingfisher! Why NCP was demanding Agriculture and Aviation Ministry, on priority? Mr. Pawar owns many industries in Maharastra, and wanted his monopoly to continue. So, the decision of keeping Agriculture with him is justified. Why a business minded Prafull Patel was given Aviation Ministry! Why Mr. Patel was reluctant to leave Aviation during his second term, when a cabinet reshuffle was made? Is there any 2G scam like situation running parallel in Aviation too? Are private players feeding money to ‘some’ officials in Air India to ensure poor performance of Maharaja? Is Ministry corrupt and killing Maharaja’s legacy? Has government decided to phase out from aviation slowly? Why Air India has a double standard? Are bosses of National Carrier that corrupt! and have eaten Air India from every corner? Why pilots, aviation staffs and senior management are not on same platform? Success of any organization is determined by a unison approach and parallel thinking of everyone the the organization. The Maharaja’s parachute has got punctured with many holes. Big HOLES of corruption, bribe, and scams are ensuring a massive accident. When wills this national carrier, actually think of nation? Owners of Jet, Kingfisher, IndiGo etc. only pays tax on profit they earn. Why the think tanks of Maharaja, do not realize that they are losing 70 % of profit earned by private carriers? Recently two independent directors of Air India, Mr. Anand Mahindra and Mr. Amit Mitra resigned citing some reasons. Did they realize that Air India is going to be a History in the years to come? BSNL, another government run company, has similar status. Some of the BSNL officials did accepted that senior officials at higher ups are heavily paid by competitors to ensure ‘bad’ BSNL services. I smell some parallels between both public service systems.

It will be quite interesting to witness Maharaja’s fortune. Pilots win the Battle or Ministry? I am quite sure that this strike has been planted by private carriers, to slap Air India by every means– on account of Air India announcing competitive rates to ensure cheaper fly within India. Media’s grilling to aviation ministry and some ‘high profile’ officials may help doing some good to this National Carrier. I wish BJP asks for CBI probe on Aviation Ministry, to investigate the money flow.

Vyalar Ravi, you have a tough time ahead. Take it from me; this strike is going to pay you and your maharaja a lot. You need to do way beyond expectation to get back passengers confidence. Please don’t take us for granted.

What will I do if I am made Prime Minister of India?

Do u Remember we used to write such essays during school days? Idling minds always think on complicated issues. So was I. The addition to my thinking was further propelled by PM’s confession that what can I do! ‘Some’ decisions are not in my hand and to be taken to ensure party’s development. Whole day I was thinking, what to do? Had I been the Prime Minister of India right now, either I would have resigned from the position, or I could have done something to prove myself worth of being Prime Minister. It is ironical that in the people run governance of such a colorful country, the prime minister is such a highly qualified person. Dr. Manmohan Singh has been credited with changing the financial in-dependency of the nation, when he was Finance Minister of India, during late Mr. P V Narsimha Rao’s regime. Now sitting on the hot seat, with most able persons like Pranav Mukharjee, P Chidambram, and D V Subbarao in his team, he is unable to curb inflation. He is unable to reduce costs of common goods. He is unable to fulfill the need of a common man. Isn’t it ironical? During his tenure of last 7 years, India has witnessed maximum scams, uncountable frauds and abuse to Governance. Looks like Business Houses are actually running the Government. Either the government is corrupt, or the corruption has surfaced in public domain during this government. Surprisingly all caught- have hands glued with Congress or its allies. This makes me to ponder over another question. Why India has a Parliament House, President’s house, other Ministries when the nation is governed by 10, Janpath. I always get confused, if chief of Indian National Congress is so strong, why others take credit of any work, even when they do puppet dance with strings maintained and managed from 10, Janpath. When the whole lot of activists, even opposition parties is so against her, why she is still the King of Congress and India? Which political party is actually better and powerful?

I find all politicians, involved in some kinds of corruption. They have reasons to be corrupt. Government of India gives them $334 THOUSAND every year to spend, apart from a hefty salary. Anyone who sees that amount will become mad. A Member of Parliament with $1670 THOUSAND for 5 years to spend in his/her constituency – is good enough to grow greed. No worries, if one bribes and invests millions during general elections in getting a ticket from reputed parties.

So, decision is tough. How to tackle people like these? Being a Prime Minister, I shall need to deal with 543 such politicians. Dealing with big business houses and billionaires would be another big challenge for me. Additional tension will be those Baba’s and self proclaimed incarnations of God, since they have a huge fan following. Common Indian junta is blind supporters of those Baba’s. Tackling with PCBSL (Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) would be among other priorities that should be given proper consideration. LTTE has not been demolished completely. They may develop their base in due course of time. They still carry good support from various societies. China is another threat since its provoking internal terrorism, both directly as well as indirectly. Be it naxals movements in various states of India, funding internal/external terrorists or funding ‘snake faced politicians’ in bringing imbalance in common man. I’ll categorize PCBSL among tier-1 countries with whom diplomatic as well as defense ties are of utmost requirement. Tier-0 is internal security. CBI and IB must be accountable, and made independent to charge and investigate anyone. Administrative and Judicial systems should be made citizen friendly. Tier-2 would be developing and maintaining relationship with all other countries. Tier-3 would be providing diplomatic supports to those African and other countries that live below poverty line, and are forced to become pirates.

No country can prosper if its technologies are of World’s best. I shall incline my focus in providing all supports to ensure developing best technocrats and business tycoons. Inclination shall also include retaining best of talents in the Country only. Health and hygiene is another focused and thrust area. Doctors and hospitals should be of prime quality and dedicated to mankind. They should not be money making machines; rather they should be mirror image to God on mother Earth. Inflation has emerged out as another immortal giant. Seems tackling it will be another full time challenge. May be various companies would be instructed on giving focus on their R&D activities to ensure quality product in cheaper cost. They must refrain from big brand endorsements. If companies are investing on brand endorsements and big campaigns and advertisements, such investments must be incurred from profits made by organizations and companies. These costs should not be the part of calculating total production cost of the products. I won’t allow companies to prosper when a common man is suffering.

Last but not the least, Farmers are of prime Importance. They are the one who feed us. Ironically they have been sidelined, and only kept for playing politics. My focus should be to provide them better livelihood and motivation to bring another green revolution in India. Rain water harvesting and water storage mechanisms shall be provoked and ensured to village level. They should not depend on Rain all the time. I shall take personal concern in ensuring that at least 80 out of 100 rupees reach to the ground level.

Attack on Gaddaffi or Libya or China?

So, USA found another Islamic dominated country for attack. Bush senior credited his resume with gulf war. Bush junior took cue from his father and added Iraq war in his bucket of successful credentials. Bill Clinton tried his best to bring peace to ensure Islamic countries against Christian dominated countries, and was so involved with ‘Monica’ that he didn’t find time to do anything else. Osama had been another topic of governance for American President’s. Then was Mr. Obama; A man whom people voted, in hope that he shall change the fate of America. Fortunately, 9/11 episode is history now and the ghost of Osama is not haunting Obama. Though countless bombings and killings in Afghanistan is were made in a hope to kill Osama. Osama is alive or not, is still a mystery. Unfortunately, Bush junior gifted Recession and global economic meltdown to the incoming president. 4 years over, America has not changed. Americans are still struggling for recovery. India, China, South Korea and Japan emerged as new economy. China is known to anti-US in gaining No.1 position, by dethroning USA. So, Obama took a diplomatic move by making treaties with India and India favoring nations. Key Position Holders in US cabinet by Indians, revoking H1 visa’s etc. are examples of it. In order to divert Americans from real problems, Bush junior targeted Saddam Hussain. He succeeded in devastating Iraq and hanging Saddam ‘till death’ in a record time. I see Obama trying to repeat Iraq story in Libya. As a president of USA, I agree on whatever is done by either of them. Saving USA and US economy should be the prime importance for any President. US economy runs on Dollar transactions only. Most of the US banks run only for publishing dollars and ensuring all deals globally, in USD. When all petroleum and crude oil producing nations tried to unite themselves for a common trade, Bush senior ensured a gulf war. When Saddam Hussain revolted Dollar’s transaction and tried to move towards Euro trade for crude oil, he was charged with keeping Biological weapons. Gaddaffi doesn’t own any biological weapon or a threat to Dollar’s still he was attacked! I was wondering why!

British gave a very good policy for dominance. ‘Divide and Rule’. Chanakya taught economic and political science to Indians long back. Shaam, Daam, Dand, Bhed was taught to be various phases of ensuring work completion. Seems Indians forgot the lesson completely. But British commercialized it. Were it used by them within India, in ruling India or parting India-Pakistan? US-UK is the two sides of the same coin. Sons of same Mother! So USA has also learn this rule and excelling in it. Libya use to have rich oil reservoir and Gaddaffi is among the strong rulers of those Countries, in trade. It is obvious that USA would like to control those oil mines. So people’s agitation against King was fueled to such an extent that war is made only option. NATO is controlled by USA. Everyone knows this. US, UK and France are three countries that look different geographically, but are same. May be sons of same Mother! They may speak and deviate on any other issues; they stand united when it is to fight any war.

Fueling agitation against Gaddaffi has shown long lasting affects. Most of the king and monarch ruled countries, including China, have witnessed similar agitations. The agitation may have been crushed; it hasn’t been uprooted from any countries. Bombarding by US colonies was neither desired nor required to such a deep level. But it was done. Reasons are obvious: 1. Deviate attention of Americans. 2. Try to take control of oil producing nations. 3. Initiate agitation among all king ruling countries, and provoke home-war and 4. Minimize the warfare inventories, so that mass production can be started ensuring some employment. Ultimate aim of USA is providing situations that provoke Chinese people against Communist ruled Governance in China. To ensure China disintegrate in USSR way. Success story of Libya and Syria will motivate Chinese junta, against its rulers. Dude! Big politics in fray!

Sri Satya Sai Baba – an Incarnated God, or a successful Businessman?

Baba had proclaimed long back that he is the incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, and shall again take birth sometime in 2030 as ‘Prem Sai’. May be we need to wait till that time to see if Sri Satya Sai baba was correct, though his proclamation that he shall live and serve mankind till 2022 has not met the ground. He left millions of his devotees alone and soulless, by taking his last breath on the early morning of April 24, 2011. At 7:40 AM IST, his soul left his worldly body and left this earth to meet and integrate into ‘super soul’. Surprisingly April 24, happens to be a legend’s birthday. Satya Sai has a huge base of some of high profile legends, and Sachin Tendulkar is one among them. To add value to spice, Dr. A P J Abul Kalam, whom whole nation praises and have high regards, is another high profile devotee of Sri Satya Sai. It would be a point of interest now to see if Sachin celebrates his birthday or mourn for demise of his spiritual guru, in the years to come. Having said this, an empire and legacy worth 1000 billion dollars will be available to Google when one Google Satya Sai. In the tenure of 85, starting from Zero money in his account to spend, to managing an empire that is a dream for many.

Satya Sai Baba announced himself an incarnation in early 80’s, and chose the path of Peace, Spiritualism, Love and non-violence. Puttaparthy, a small village in Andhra Pradesh is now world famous with followers coming in from everywhere to take his blessings. He realized that a common man needs proper care and concern. So with the donation money he got from his followers, he started building schools, various engineering, medical and other colleges, hospitals and other infrastructure developments that are needed and desired for common people. Satya Sai Hospital’s are free to poor people. From simple consultancy to highly complicated operations, all are done for free. Water Sanitation, providing clean drinking water to all nearby villages etc. are among some of the selfless welfare services he did with the donation money. Clearly Satya Sai was running a parallel government, since he realized that Political parties and governments are not effective enough to do such things.

I truly wish this Miracle Baba would live little longer. He was a true motivator for many. He was a successful social entrepreneur whose ambition was to serve mankind. But, I am surprised on his death. A holy Godlike person gets admitted in Hospital, survives on Ventilator for almost a month and dies with multiple organs failure. I read somewhere that earlier Godman like Shirdi Sai Baba, Swami Ramkrishna Param Hansa, Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekanand, Devraha baba etc. who were true incarnations of God, actually took Nirwana. With their Yog and Pranayam power, they left their worldly body without any pain. And before attaining Nirwana, they told their desires and intensions on attaining the same, in advance to their disciples. Then why Satya Sai did not follow the same suit. Was he a normal human being? Did we actually make him God, by blindly following his magic’s?

There are many more high profile mircale baba’s like Sri Sri Ravishankar, Baba Ramdev, ISKON, Sant Nirankari, Asharamji Bapu, Asho Rajneesh, Kripalu ji, Sudhanshu ji- etc., who are known for different kind of magic, but they are yet to disclose their actual property and do such a humanitarian work. I am sure all baba’s are equally rich and run their uncrowned empire. Some spiritual houses run like big business houses. They recruit (Devotees) best of brains (eminent engineers, doctors, MBA’s, CA’s etc.) for they key positions. A common man as devotee remains a devotee only. He/she is there to keep giving donations and take Baba’s blessings (make baba happy). Baba Ramdev at least initiated Yog and Patanjali Vidyapeeth in renovating Ayurveda and curing many incurable diseases. I wonder what these proclaimed saints do with such huge money! A saint is supposed to live an ascetic life with an ambition to serve mankind.

Anyways, we had Shirdi as one Holy place. Now Puttaparthi is next. Hoping that 'Prem Sai' will also come in 2030, we shall have third pilgrimage on Sai in North Karnataka!. India is truly the land of Miracle Baba's.

My emotional interactions with Mumbai.

Sorry Buddies!

Life at Mumbai is so fast that sometimes I need to pinch myself to realize that all parts of my body are together. There are high chances that one hand can leave the other, if it gets a bigger and/or better opportunity!

Today, I am relatively free. So just trying to recall past 6 months that touched me. 11-3-11 had been Black Friday with Japan and the World witnessing worst ever disaster. I too had a disaster that day. I broke something- won't discuss it much.

But two things that touched me a lot.
1. I stay in a house that is at the junction of road parting Dadar(w) with Prabhadevi. Siddhivinayak Temple is within 5 min. of walk. I take my dinner at Enclave-JSW guest house, since its only 10 min.walk from my house. So normal routine is reach home in evening. Freshen up and walk to Enclave for dinner and come back.
Prabhadevi is in Central Mumbai, and counted among poss areas of Mumbai, with many billionaires living here. Sensational example is Dipika Padukone. Somewhere I saw the banner "Rajashree Productions Ltd." also.
You can see 100's of beggers around Siddhivinayak Temple. Worst part is kids below 3 years of age also beg. I always get confused if they are begging money, or food? Also perplexed if I should give some money and promote begging, or should not give money- and become a heartless soul.?? May be I am an emotional Fool.

2. Last week, it so happened that I had some work at office, so was late for home. After taking dinner, I drove to home. At the signal of Siddhivinayak (story revolves around this Temple only!) I was waiting for the red light to turn green. Suddenly a kitten appeared from somewhere, and came near my Bike's Tyre. Traffic was stopped, so I gave it a gentle push, so that it can run to the other part of road. It did run, but went and stopped under a car. My heart stopped for a moment. I didn't realize that there developed a co-ordinate bond between her and me. And the signal become green. Suddenly all vehicles raced to cross the signal. I was watching the car and kitten like a deaf. She came out safe. I stopped my bike, and put the red indicator on. Then I signal the traffic behind me about the situation and started guiding the kitten on crossing road. Seems either it was a bad day for me, or for the kitten, she suddenly took a left turn and a speeding car from somewhere came and hit her...
Car's back wheel hit her in Head. She was crying loud, and I was motionless, helpless. With all grief, I started my bike and crossed the signal. Suddenly another car came and cross over her to end her last cry. It hit me hard within emotional heart. Whole night I was restless. It was like I could save her. Sometimes I was thinking that second car should have come earlier, or may be if hitting wasn't avoided, the 1st car should have hit her to ensure killing her completely. I was not in position to even imagine the kind of pain she might be experiencing...
Either Mumbai is ruthless, or I am useless. Or may be Mumbai doesn't need those who are of no use, or those who can not run with Mumbai. Winners are only those who runs faster than average pace of Mumbai and Mumbaikar's.

ShantiBhusan, Amar Singh and CD episode.

I tell you. No one is clean and white in this world. You choose anyone and start doing sting operation, against him or her. 99% case, you shall find something fishy with anyone's profile. Having said this. Mr. Shanti Bhushan is a senior most Lawyer, and Mr. Prashant Bhushan is in his 50's. Politics and Law has been to the worst of corruption during last decade, with everyone looting as much as it can be. So why such a big cry, when Mr. Shanti Bhusan earned so much... After all, he is the father of TWO sons...!! As a father, he is suppose to provide lavishing life to his children. Having said this, I think even if Mr. Amar Singh's charges are correct, Mr. Bhusan should be given clean chit, on account of doing at least one good work 'Jan Lokpal Bill' before he dies. (Being a law minister, he must earn some land, some properties at some prime locations...! Nothing new in it.) Most Ministers have a Swiss Account. They must have.

Check the allegations made:
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-am-not-the-papa-of-the-cd-amar-singh/149725-37-64.html

Well, the political arena of India was very vibrant on April 20, 2011. I'd say political Shares value of Mr. Amar Singh was at top. Earlier it used to be Mr. Laloo Yadav's era. Now its Mr. Amar Singh's era... Hudi Baba... and Udi Baba...
You know, it requires courage to accept in front of whole India, that you are a middle man. That you have committed so many crimes for someone. I'll call Amar Singh ji as a whistle Blower. A torch bearer who showed this much courage, in showing and bringing out dirt from Politics. Having said this, let me advocate for Amar Singh ji. He has been thrown out from SP. So he has no lust with SP. Clearly Congress (Sonia Gandhi has written a letter, of being Clean, to Mr. Anna Hazare) and BJP (they are giving open support to Anna Hazare) are out of picture. Such activities are highly unlikely from Communists. In such case, when Amar Singh has no political back-ups, why should he tell a lie.? He is ready for a Lie Detector test. So, let us not politicize it. The matters are of grave concern. Give a serious thought.

Before Closing, I'd say- let us not become emotional with Mr. Anna Hazare team. If Shanti Bhusan and family leaves the team, we have Mr. Subramanyam Swamy and other eminent lawyers, available to replace him. We can choose any senior Law faculty of best Law school's in India. Point is, let us debate if the allegations made on Mr. Bhushan is correct. And more importantly, assuming that the allegations are correct, still should it matter in deciding whether he should be the part of committee or not?